The majority of travel insurance policyholders frequently disregard policy exclusions. While always written, the fine print can be confusing and occasionally contradictory.
Unawareness of policy exclusions is one of the leading causes of claim rejection. Given that, you should be aware of what is covered in your travel insurance. Here are a few common exclusions of international travel insurance:
- Pre-Existing Conditions
Travel insurance might not cover most pre-existing diseases. Coverage depends on the disease’s length and severity when you purchase travel insurance. The insurer will only cover you for a stable health condition that necessitates no change in treatment. *
- Dental Procedures
The travel insurance policy only covers dental expenses due to an accident. However, insurers may include a clause to this effect. By reading the fine print, you can avoid a claim dismissal and at least become familiar with your coverage’s complete scope. *
- Psychological or Emotional Disorders
Typically, travel insurers do not accept claims for mental or emotional disorders. This may include depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc. Thus, the policy does not cover the costs associated with treating such conditions. *
- If Traveling Abroad for a Medical Procedure
Travel insurance international covers only emergency medical procedures, so you are not covered for any planned hospitalisation. Even if you’re travelling for medical treatment, the insurer will not cover you for the expense incurred. *
- Pregnancy and Delivery
Childbirth and pregnancy could be typically excluded from domestic and international travel insurance until a specific travel insurance policy covers them. Verify carefully with your insurance advisor if your next trip is imminent or if you’re pregnant and planning to travel. *
- Willingly exploring an Accident-Prone Area
Typically, international travel insurance covers losses caused by natural disasters. However, you shall not be insured if you travel to a region notorious for natural disasters, or if you may be travelling despite warnings about a possible natural calamity likely to occur. *
- Adventurous Activities
Many travel insurance providers do not cover losses sustained while participating in adventure sports. Some insurance companies provide coverage for adventure-related activities by charging a premium-priced add-on nonetheless. *
- Several Personal Items in Your Bag
Although the policy covers delay or loss of baggage, some personal contents like cash, jewellery, sunglasses, etc., in your luggage might not be covered. *
- Poor Weather
Travel insurance will likely not cover bad weather that tends to restrict your activities during a trip. However, the insurance company covers you for flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather.
- Last-Minute Alterations
Your travel insurance will typically not cover cancellation fees if your travel provider makes last-minute modifications unless the change results in a complete trip cancellation. However, you may contact your travel operator and check if you could be entitled to compensation for the modifications made by them.
- War, Disturbance, and Warlike Situation
While the majority of insurers protect you against terrorist attacks, however, it might not include war and civil unrest. Therefore, it is recommended to double-check the policy exclusion list for any such doubt. *
Summing it Up!
Most of us typically focus more on what the policy includes and less on what it does omit from the list. And this is where we make mistakes.
Always do a comparison of different travel insurance plans and understand what exclusions each one has. You can also compare the premium of each of these plans using a travel insurance premium calculator and select the one that comforts you. *
Exclusions can be the most crucial aspect of a policy, ignoring which could result in a dire situation. Therefore, take policy exclusions seriously if you would like to travel as comfortably as possible! *
* Standard T&C Apply
‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. ‘
